Which cruise line suits you best? A guide to popular options

Considering your first cruise? The variety of options can be overwhelming. There are over two dozen cruise lines targeting North American travelers, each with its own unique offerings.

The brands range from well-known giants like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line to lesser-known boutique operators like Windstar Cruises.

Some brands, particularly Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, feature enormous ships that resemble floating resorts, complete with multiple pools, water parks, and a variety of extravagant attractions. Others focus on more intimate, boutique-style vessels.

Certain lines, like Carnival, cater to budget-conscious travelers, while others provide luxury comparable to high-end resorts. Small luxury operators, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offer opulent suites that can run up to $11,000 per day.

Wondering where to begin your search for the ideal cruise? Below, we present a brief guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. This overview is not an exhaustive review, but rather a quick glimpse to help you identify which cruise line may suit your preferences.

After narrowing down your options to a few brands that resonate with your style, take a closer look at their specific ships, itineraries, home ports, and pricing (either independently or with the assistance of a knowledgeable travel agent). Keep in mind that TPG offers many detailed guides on individual lines, accessible through our cruise line hub pages linked in each section below.

Azamara

With only four ships, each accommodating fewer than 700 guests, Azamara stands as one of the smallest cruise lines. However, it boasts a dedicated following of travelers who value the elegant atmosphere of its ships, the inclusive perks it provides (like gratuities and alcoholic beverages), and its focus on unique destinations.

The line takes pride in providing extended port stays, including multi-day visits. Its ships offer an intimate, boutique hotel atmosphere. While prices are higher than those of large, mass-market lines, they are not as steep as luxury lines.

Carnival Cruise Line

This self-proclaimed "fun ship" line dominates the market for short, budget-friendly cruises from U.S. ports to destinations like the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, and more.

Chosen by about one in five cruisers, Carnival Cruise Line's vessels are known for their vibrant, flashy atmosphere and an array of fun amenities, including water parks with several slides. However, don’t expect an overly luxurious experience.

Celebrity Cruises

Aimed at being a step above mainstream lines like Carnival while still being budget-friendly, this Miami-based "premium" line is renowned for having some of the most stylish large ships on the ocean.

Expect upscale design, innovative art, and trendy dining options. Essentially, Celebrity targets a sophisticated audience rather than the party scene (though it doesn’t position itself as a luxury brand).

Celebrity's latest four ships—Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent—feature "infinite veranda" cabins that connect seamlessly to the sea in a way that's unique among ocean vessels. They include a glass wall that opens from the top, creating a balcony-like experience.

Crystal Cruises

This beloved luxury line recently resumed operations under new ownership after an 18-month hiatus. For years, it has been regarded as the pinnacle of luxury cruising, and our experience sailing on one of its ships post-relaunch confirms it’s even better now. Initially, Crystal is operating with just two ships, but plans have been announced to rapidly expand with four additional ships in the coming six years.

Cunard

With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, this four-ship line is most famously recognized for its flagship, the Queen Mary 2, which accommodates 2,695 passengers. The ship truly embodies the essence of an ocean liner, offering regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton, England, and New York.

Fans of Cunard appreciate the line's relatively formal atmosphere, which includes nightly dress codes and elements of ocean liner tradition, such as evenings dedicated to ballroom dancing. The line's fourth ship, Queen Anne, just launched this year.

Disney Cruise Line

From meet-and-greets with beloved Disney characters to Disney-themed performances and the largest children's play areas at sea, a Disney cruise offers an array of family-friendly attractions. For Disney enthusiasts, there's truly nothing like it.

However, if Disney isn't your preference, this might not be the right line for you. The main drawback? Like Disney's theme parks on land, the cost can be quite high.

Holland America

This renowned line, established in 1873, has a strong emphasis on tradition and is celebrated for its meticulously planned, globe-spanning itineraries aboard midsize ships.

Recently, Holland America has introduced vibrant new venues, including B.B. King's Blues Club. This line primarily caters to couples and retirees, while families with children may want to explore other options.

MSC Cruises

A major player in the European cruise market, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is making significant strides to attract North American travelers with its newer, larger ships operating year-round from Florida to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It also offers voyages from New York City.

Similar to Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, MSC Cruises features large, resort-style vessels that cater to a wide range of guests. Notable highlights of its North American cruises include visits to its new private island in the Bahamas, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line's massive, resort-like ships boast thrilling attractions like multistory waterslides, ropes courses, and even go-kart race tracks. These vessels are also filled with dining options, bars, casinos, and entertainment venues.

This brand is recognized for its entertainment, featuring major Broadway productions like "Beetlejuice." If you're in search of a Las Vegas-style resort experience at sea, this is the cruise line for you.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania has found its niche with relatively small, upscale ships that provide a notable enhancement over mass-market vessels, yet aren't as extravagant (or expensive) as luxury options.

Its seven ships exude a relaxed, country club atmosphere and offer exceptional dining experiences, primarily attracting an older clientele.

When it comes to itineraries, Oceania is recognized for its destination-focused voyages, typically lasting 10 nights or more, with some world-spanning trips extending up to 180 days.

Ponant

This French cruise line specializes in expedition cruising, which involves navigating to remote and hard-to-reach destinations on small, durable vessels equipped with their own landing crafts.

With a rapidly expanding fleet of rugged yet upscale expedition ships (each accommodating no more than 264 guests), Ponant is renowned for its journeys to locations such as Antarctica and the Arctic.

If you're seeking waterslides and laser tag, this is not the cruise line for you.

Princess Cruises

Favored by middle-aged couples, retirees, and multigenerational families, the "Love Boat" line's ships are generally less flashy (and smaller, for the most part) than those of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, which is exactly how its clientele prefers it.

Customers of Princess Cruises appreciate its diverse itineraries, which include trips to Asia and Australia, as well as more local destinations like the Caribbean. The line has long been a leader in the Alaska cruise market.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Based in Miami, this luxury cruise line operates some of the most lavish ships at sea, including three newly introduced Explorer-class vessels that are touted as the most expensive luxury ships ever constructed on a cost-per-berth basis.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is especially renowned for offering some of the most extravagant suites at sea (with some exceeding the size of the average American home), alongside some of the most inclusive fares in the cruise industry and exceptional service. The only downside: it comes at a premium. Rates on Regent ships start around $1,000 per person per day, soaring to as much as $5,500 per person per day.

Royal Caribbean

For fans of megaresorts, there's truly nothing like a Royal Caribbean ship.

The line's largest vessels are over 20% bigger than nearly any others at sea (with only MSC Cruises having ships that rival their size) and boast an incredible array of attractions, from rock climbing walls and surf simulators to Broadway productions and ice skating rinks.

Families will especially appreciate this line for its abundance of family-friendly activities and venues on board. Royal Caribbean ships sail to destinations all over the globe, but they are most prominently found in the Caribbean and Europe.

Seabourn

This seven-ship luxury brand is another frontrunner in the upscale cruise market, offering all-suite vessels, exceptional service, and refined dining experiences.

Like other luxury cruise lines, Seabourn provides a diverse selection of itineraries worldwide. It has also recently ventured into more adventurous, expedition-style cruising with two new 264-passenger ships designed for polar regions like Antarctica and the Arctic.

Silversea Cruises

Exceptional service, sophisticated dining, and beautifully appointed accommodations define this Monaco-based luxury line, which boasts a fleet of over a dozen vessels. Silversea Cruises is also recognized for its extensive selection of unique itineraries that venture off the beaten path.

Its expanding fleet of small expedition ships offers stylish journeys to destinations ranging from the Arctic to Papua New Guinea.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Fans of the luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton will find themselves at home aboard this line's yacht-inspired vessels. Or at least, that's the intention.

The cruise division of Ritz-Carlton has been operational for just over a year, and opinions are still forming on its standing among luxury cruise brands. The line faced significant challenges launching due to years of delays in building its first and only ship.

Named Evrima, the line's sole operational ship is a 298-passenger vessel crafted to attract Ritz-Carlton patrons with its sophisticated, residential design. A larger second ship, Ilma, which is already available for bookings, will make its debut later this year.

Viking

This rapidly expanding line has long dominated river cruising for North Americans and has recently made significant inroads into upscale ocean cruising as well. Viking operates 80 river vessels across nearly every major river worldwide, while its fleet of 10 ocean ships (a rise from just one in 2015) is increasingly visiting more destinations.

Viking is renowned for its exquisitely designed ships featuring modern Scandinavian aesthetics and offering unique, port-heavy itineraries. Following a mostly all-inclusive model, Viking adheres to a "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy. However, families should note that children under 18 are not permitted on Viking cruises.

Virgin Voyages

This relatively new cruise line, launched by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is transforming mainstream cruising with a more vibrant, inclusive, and youthful atmosphere (though it's adults-only). Picture tattoo parlors, karaoke booths, and no extra charges for tips or dining options.

The first three ships from Virgin Voyages—Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady—feature suites designed by the renowned Tom Dixon. Destinations include the Dominican Republic, Mexico, a private beach club in the Bahamas, as well as select locations in Europe and Australia.

Windstar Cruises

If the thought of cruising on a large ship unsettles you, the small-ship expert Windstar may be the perfect solution.

With just six vessels accommodating between 148 to 342 passengers—fewer than a single large ship's lifeboat—these ships offer a wonderfully intimate experience.

Romantic travelers will appreciate Windstar's three sailing vessels, which are a unique find. Food enthusiasts can enjoy James Beard-themed cruises, featuring market tours and cooking demonstrations led by a James Beard Award-winning chef.

Additional guides to assist you in planning your cruise:

• The top 5 cabin locations you should aim for on any cruise ship
• The 8 least desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 21 tips and tricks to ensure a smooth cruise experience
• 15 common ways cruisers waste money
• 15 ideal cruises for those who never want to grow up
• What essentials to pack for your first cruise
• A guide to selecting the right cruise line